Businesses rise from the ashes after suffering damage from suspected arson attack

Independent.ie

A suspected arson attack described as being 'malicious' at the outlets on the forecourt of Topaz Daybreak petrol station won't dampen the spirits of some business owners who are back up and running since Wednesday.

A suspected arson attack described as being 'malicious' at the outlets on the forecourt of Topaz Daybreak petrol station won't dampen the spirits of some business owners who are back up and running since Wednesday.

Two businesses were completely gutted by the fire on Monday - Superior Vape Shop and BodyCraft, while Curves, Polski Sklep and Cash 4 Clothes also suffered extensive damage.

Gardaí made a fresh appeal on Thursday morning asking anyone with information to contact Gorey Garda Station, in confidence, on 053 94 30690 as the 'attack seems to be malicious'.

James Doran, of the Superior Vape Shop, has set up a portacabin beside their former premises which was completely destroyed in the fire.

'We will stay here until the units are rebuilt,' said James. 'It is hard to know when that will be as it needs a complete new roof and needs to be all rewired.'

The portacabin is only a temporary situation as James had to set up straight away due to the demand for his products.

'I was alerted right away of the fire,' said James. 'I was in complete shock when I saw the premises and absolutely devastated. We were there for five years and nothing to this extent ever happened.'

Since Wednesday, James has been busy starting his business from scratch. Martin Murphy Containers Carnew kindly donated a cabin to James and also to Cash 4 Clothes.

'Liam Doyle rewired for me, I went to IKEA for shelving and Possibility in Waterford gave me a till system,' said James. 'People have been really good to us.'

Cash 4 Clothes will remain in the mobile unit beside their shop until the rebuild. They hope the work is done sooner rather than later, but business is now operating as normal.

Roisin Hearns and Fionn McDonagh of Curves were celebrating over the weekend after securing a new premises to operate from.

'We opened yesterday,' said Roisin. 'We are over the moon to have secured a new place, it is not a business you could just let lie.'

Curves will now operate from the former Ruby Rouge premises on Esmonde Street.

'When the fire happened the outside of our shop looked fine and we thought we might be OK,' said Roisin. 'But when we walked in we were devastated. Some of the machines were good to go, but the fire damaged a lot of our computers and equipment.'

Since the fire, Roisin and Fionn have been bringing their clients on walks through Gorey Town Park and out on the Courtown Road.

'We would like to apologize for leaving our former unit but thank the management and landlord for all they have done for us,' said Fionn. 'It was a great place and great space.'

Polski Sklep will reopen at a new premises and said details will be reported through their Facebook page, while BodyCraft are closed until further notice.